Miami Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Were you injured by a dog bite in Miami, FL?

At Newman Injury Law, PLLC, we help dog attack victims in Miami hold negligent owners responsible and recover for their injuries.

If you or your child was injured by a dog, our Miami, FL dog bite injury lawyers can help you seek compensation from the owner responsible. A serious bite can mean surgery, permanent scarring, and lasting fear, and the costs add up quickly. Newman Injury Law, PLLC has fought for injured Miami residents for more than fifteen years, and we take dog bite claims on a contingency basis, so you owe nothing unless we obtain a recovery. Schedule a free consultation to get started.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Miami, FL

A dog bite injury lawyer represents people harmed by a dog attack and pursues compensation from the parties responsible. Most claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner or renter insurance, which means the real fight is often with an insurance company. Those insurers look for reasons to pay less, and having counsel levels the field. We represent everyone a dog can hurt, from a household guest to a passerby on the street, and we deal with the insurer so you do not have to.

Our attorneys investigate how the attack happened, identify the owner and any other responsible party, and document the full extent of the harm. Dog bites often cause more than a physical wound. Scarring, nerve damage, and lasting anxiety can follow a child or an adult for years, and a claim should account for all of it. Homeowner and renter policies usually cover these claims, but the insurer will still test whether the owner was at fault and whether anything the victim did contributed to the bite.

Types of Dog Bite Injury Cases We Handle in Miami

Dog attacks happen in many settings, from a neighbor’s yard to a public sidewalk, and the injuries range from minor to life-changing. We represent bite victims across Miami, including children, who are hurt most often. The cases below are among those we handle.

• Bites on private property. Attacks at a friend’s, neighbor’s, or landlord’s home are common. We pursue the owner and the insurance policy that applies.
• Bites in public places. A dog off leash at a park, sidewalk, or store can injure anyone nearby. Owners are expected to keep their dogs under control, and a leash law violation can be strong evidence of fault.
• Injuries to children. Children suffer the most severe bites, often to the face and head. We handle claims for injured children with particular care.
• Attacks on delivery and service workers. Mail carriers, delivery drivers, and utility workers face real risk on the job, since their routes take them onto property where dogs are present. A bite suffered during lawful work can support a claim.
• Injuries beyond bites. A large dog can knock a person down and cause fractures or a head injury without ever biting. Those injuries count too.
• Scarring and disfigurement. Facial wounds and deep punctures can leave permanent marks. We pursue the cost of treatment and the lasting impact.
• Infection and nerve damage. Bites carry a high risk of infection and can damage nerves and tendons. Long-term care belongs in the claim.

Why Choose Newman Injury Law, PLLC as my Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Miami, FL?

A Record of Recovery for Injury Victims

Insurance companies handle dog bite claims every day, and they know how to reduce what they pay. We prepare each case to counter those tactics. That groundwork is reflected in the recoveries we pursue. Our firm has helped injured clients recover millions of dollars in negotiated settlements and courtroom awards. The firm was established by Jared K. Newman, who has represented injury victims throughout Florida for more than fifteen years. We take dog bite cases on contingency, so there is no cost to begin and no fee unless we recover for you.

Local Knowledge and a Full Injury Practice

A Miami native, Mr. Newman has practiced injury law throughout South Florida for over fifteen years. His education includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from South Texas College of Law, and he belongs to the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and the Broward County Bar Association. Because we also practice as a personal injury lawyer in Miami, FL, dog bite clients have a full-service injury firm behind their case.

Understanding Dog Bite Injury Cases

A dog bite can look minor at first and turn serious within days. Attacks happen more often than people expect, and the CDC stresses that most dog bites are preventable when owners take proper precautions. When an owner fails to control a dog and someone is hurt, that owner can be held responsible for the harm. The question is rarely whether an injury happened, but who must pay for it and how much.

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Dog Bite Cases

A dog bite claim can pursue two categories of damages. Economic damages repay the money the attack costs you. Non-economic damages account for the pain and disfigurement it leaves behind.

• Medical treatment. Emergency care, surgery, wound care, and reconstructive procedures.
• Future care. Scar revision, physical therapy, and counseling for lasting trauma.
• Lost income. Time away from work during recovery.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

A central question is who is liable when a dog injures a person, and the answer usually depends on the owner’s control of the animal. Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule, so if the injured person provoked the dog or was somewhere they had no right to be, any award can be reduced by their share of fault. A young child, though, generally cannot be assigned fault at all, because Florida treats a child under six as incapable of comparative negligence. Proving fault starts with a careful look at how the attack unfolded. A full claim also looks ahead, because scarring and trauma can demand care long after the wounds close, and children in particular may need support for years.

Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Injury Case

A few factors shape the outcome of a dog bite claim. Addressing them early strengthens your position.

• Identifying the owner and insurer. The homeowner or renter policy that will pay the claim.
• Lawful presence at the scene. Whether you had a right to be where the attack happened affects the claim, since a property owner’s duty can depend on why a person was present.
• Prompt medical care. Treatment records that document the injury and the risk of infection.
• The severity of the injuries. Deep bites, facial wounds, and infections raise both the medical stakes and the value of the claim.
• Preserving proof. Photos, witness details, and gathering evidence before it disappears.

Dog Bite Injury Case Timeline

Deadlines in dog bite cases deserve early attention. Most injury claims in Florida must be filed within two years, but the window for a dog bite claim can depend on how the claim is brought, and some may allow a longer period. Because the right deadline is not always obvious, it is important to act quickly. Photographs, the dog’s history, and witness memories all fade fast. Most cases then follow a familiar path.

• Case review. We evaluate the attack, your injuries, and the coverage involved.
• Investigation. We gather medical records, photos, and any animal control report.
• Insurance claim. We present your losses to the responsible policy.
• Negotiation or litigation. We push for a fair settlement and file suit if needed.
• Resolution. The case ends in a settlement or a verdict.

What to Bring to Your Dog Bite Injury Consultation

Gathering a few things before your first meeting helps us size up the claim.

• Medical records and bills. Documentation of the treatment you have received.
• Photos of the injury. Images of the wounds and how they have healed.
• The owner’s information. Names, address, and any insurance details you have.
• Any report filed. Animal control, police, or property manager records.

The consultation is free, and you are never obligated to hire us.

Florida Legal Resources for Dog Bite Injury Cases

Knowing the rules behind a dog bite claim helps a family weigh its options with confidence. The sources below identify the Florida statutes that shape these injury cases.

• Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes sets the deadlines for civil claims, allowing most negligence cases two years from the date of injury.
• Section 768.81 explains how a person’s own share of fault reduces a recovery and sets out the economic and non-economic damages available in an injury claim.
• For the full statutory text, the Florida Statutes portal offers the current version of every section the Legislature has enacted.

Because a dog bite claim’s deadline can vary with the facts, it is worth confirming the applicable rule with a lawyer early.

Reach Out to Newman Injury Law, PLLC to Schedule a Consultation

If a dog attack left you or your child injured in Miami, our attorneys are ready to review your case and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Our representation is on contingency, which means no cost to begin and no fee unless we win compensation for you. The first consultation is free. Contact us to discuss the attack and the path to recovery.

Dog Bite Statistics in Miami, FL

Miami’s dense neighborhoods, year-round outdoor life, and large number of households with dogs put residents in constant contact with animals that can turn aggressive without warning.

The financial side of these injuries has grown just as quickly as the human toll. Insurance companies fight hard to limit what they pay after an attack, which is one reason our Miami dog bite lawyers build each claim on medical records, bite reports, and clear proof of ownership. The figures below show how common and how costly a dog attack has become.

• Nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog needs medical attention, according to CDC data.
• Children are bitten more often than adults, and the injuries children suffer tend to be more severe, the same agency reports.
• Dog attacks caused 468 deaths nationwide from 2011 through 2021, an average of 43 each year, based on CDC mortality records.
• Florida ranked second in the country for dog bite insurance claims in 2025, with 2,347 claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
• Insurers paid roughly $1.86 billion in dog-related injury claims nationwide in 2025, with an average payout of $65,450 per claim.

What Steps Should I Take After a Dog Bite in Miami?

The hours and days after a dog attack shape both your recovery and your claim. The steps below protect your health and preserve the proof a Miami dog bite attorney needs to hold the owner accountable.

1. Get medical care right away. Even a small puncture can carry infection, and rabies exposure has to be ruled out. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates a record that ties the injury to the attack.
2. Report the bite to the proper authorities. A formal report documents the incident and starts an official investigation into the dog and its owner.
3. Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and the dog’s vaccination history. If the animal is a stray, note where the attack happened and any details that could help locate the owner.
4. Photograph the scene and your injuries. Take clear pictures of the wounds before and after treatment, the location, and the dog itself if you can do so safely.
5. Collect witness information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack can settle disputes over what happened and who was responsible.
6. Preserve every piece of proof. Keep torn clothing, save the medical paperwork, and hold on to anything that documents the attack. Careful attention to evidence in injury cases often decides how a claim turns out.
7. Track your losses. Save bills, receipts, and records of missed work so the full cost of the injury is documented.
8. Be careful about social media. Posts about the attack or your activities can be taken out of context and used to reduce what you recover.
9. Speak with a lawyer before dealing with the insurer. Insurance adjusters often reach out early with low offers, and what insurers look for rarely works in your favor. A short conversation with our firm can protect your claim before you say anything on the record.

Miami Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Miami Dog Bite Lawyer?

Our firm handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis. That means you pay no attorney fees up front and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The first consultation is free, so you can learn where your claim stands before making any financial commitment. This structure lets injured people pursue a claim without adding to the bills they already face.

How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Claim In Florida?

Florida sets a two-year deadline for most negligence-based injury claims, and many dog bite cases fall under that limit. Missing the deadline can bar your claim completely. Because evidence fades and witnesses move away, we recommend speaking with a Miami dog bite lawyer soon after the attack so records can be preserved and every filing requirement is met on time.

What Compensation Can I Recover After A Dog Bite?

Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and its lasting effects. Damages often include medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Dog bites frequently leave scarring or nerve damage, so disfigurement and the emotional impact of the attack can also factor into a claim. We work to document each of these losses fully.

What Should I Do If My Child Was Bitten By A Dog?

Children are the most common dog bite victims, and their injuries are often serious because of their size and the areas dogs tend to strike. You can pursue a claim on your child’s behalf. Our attorneys who handle injuries to children understand the added medical and emotional factors these cases carry and how to protect a young client’s long-term interests.

What If The Dog Belongs To A Friend Or Family Member?

Many people hesitate to bring a claim when the dog belongs to someone they know. In most cases, compensation comes from the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not directly out of their pocket. Pursuing a claim is about covering your medical costs and losses. A Miami dog bite attorney can handle the process in a way that keeps the focus on the insurance coverage.

Does The Dog Have To Be Declared Dangerous For Me To Have A Claim?

No. A dog does not need a prior record or a dangerous designation for an owner to be held responsible. What generally counts is whether you were lawfully present and were injured by the animal. Our firm gathers the records that establish those facts rather than relying on the dog’s past behavior.

What If The Dog Owner Has No Insurance?

An uninsured owner does not always end a claim. Compensation may still be available through other policies, and in some situations an owner can be pursued directly. We investigate every possible source of recovery, including coverage that applies to the property where the attack happened.

Will My Dog Bite Case Go To Court?

Most dog bite claims settle without a trial. When an insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, our firm is prepared to file suit and take the case before a jury. Building each claim as if it could go to trial often encourages a stronger settlement earlier in the process.

What If I Was Partly At Fault For The Bite?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. Your own share of responsibility reduces the compensation you receive, and a person found more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover at all. Being partly at fault does not automatically end a claim, though. We review how the attack happened, then work to counter an insurer’s attempt to shift more blame onto you than the facts support.

Important Resources for Miami Dog Bite Cases

What Are Important Florida Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases?

These resources help injured people find and read the laws that apply to a Florida injury claim.

• Chapter 95 of the Florida Statutes sets the deadline to file most negligence claims, published online by the state legislature.
• The rules on negligence and how shared fault affects recovery appear in Chapter 768 of the same code.
• The Florida Courts self-help pages explain how civil injury cases move through the state court system.

What Are Important Local Resources for Miami Dog Bite Cases?

The organizations below help Miami residents report a bite, seek treatment, and document an attack. Our firm lists them for convenience only and does not endorse or profit from any of them.

• Miami-Dade County Animal Services, 305-468-5900, investigates bite reports and dispatches officers to look into the animal and owner.
• Jackson Memorial Hospital, 305-585-1111, houses the Ryder Trauma Center, the Level 1 trauma center serving Miami-Dade County.
• Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 305-476-5423, takes non-emergency reports that can support an injury claim.

About Newman Injury Law, PLLC

Our firm is led by founding attorney Jared K. Newman, who has represented injured people across South Florida for more than 15 years. He earned his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston and his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and he is admitted to practice in both Florida and Texas. Jared belongs to the Dade County Bar Association and the Broward County Bar Association, which keeps our firm close to the courts where Miami injury cases are decided. Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars for people harmed by the negligence of others. Clients who bring a dog bite claim receive the same preparation we bring to every case as a personal injury lawyer in Miami, FL.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

I want to thank Mr. Jared Newman from the bottom of my heart. He personally took care of my case as if it were his own, with an incredible level of care and attention. He was there for me not only as a lawyer but also with the support and compassion of family. Mr. Newman is sincere, honest, and truly the best lawyer you could have in your corner. If you hire him, you will be so grateful you did!

• Elizabeth Sandoval

See more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Miami Dog Bite Cases

• Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
• The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Pursuing Compensation
• How Social Media Can Destroy Your Injury Claim
• Your Legal Options After a Brain Injury
• The Essential Skills of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact Newman Injury Law, PLLC

If a dog attack left you or your child injured, our firm is ready to review what happened and explain your options. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Miami dog bite lawyer. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our office answers inquiries around the clock and follows up quickly, so you can focus on healing while we handle the claim and deal with the insurer on your behalf.